Malda: A study examining rural healthcare services in West Bengal has highlighted gaps in infrastructure, staff availability and public awareness at primary health centres, while underlining the important role played by community health workers in connecting villagers with medical services.
Published in Discover Health Systems, the research examines the experiences of residents and frontline health workers at two rural Sub-Centres in the Sovanagar Gram Panchayat area of Malda district. The study was conducted by researchers Mir Azad Kalam and Saptamita Pal.
The researchers interviewed 24 community members, along with four Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA workers) and two Auxiliary Nurse Midwives. The findings show that residents value the centres for affordable services such as vaccinations, routine check-ups and maternal healthcare.
However, several difficulties continue to affect service delivery. Participants reported irregular staff availability, long waiting periods, inadequate seating and sanitation problems. Flooded roads during the rainy season also make it difficult for some residents to reach the facilities.
The study found that awareness of available services remains uneven. Some residents were unaware that the centres could provide nutrition guidance and mental health support. Shortages of essential medicines, including medicines for diabetes and high blood pressure, were also reported.
Gender-related barriers emerged as another concern. Women were frequent users of maternal and child health services, but household decision-making structures sometimes limited their ability to seek care independently.
ASHA workers played a significant role in improving awareness, encouraging preventive care and helping villagers access services.
The researchers said strengthening rural healthcare requires better infrastructure, regular medical staffing, reliable medicine supplies and greater community participation. They also noted that the findings are based on only two centres and should not be treated as representative of every rural health facility.
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